Rafael Nadal, bothered by knee issue, has to work to escape with U.S. Open victory over Karen Khachanov in epic match

It was harder than expected for Rafael Nadal. But he survived. And the result was an epic match.

Clearly bothered by a knee issue, the top-ranked defending champion trailed by a set to 27th-seeded Karen Khachanov, but rallied in a gut-check victory that included two tiebreakers, 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (3).

It was the longest match of the tournament – 4 hours, 23 minutes – and was highlighted by a 39-shot exchange that sealed the third-set tiebreaker for Nadal. Later, in the fourth set, Khachanov hit a behind-the-back shot through his legs that had the crowd roaring, but Nadal won the point that sent it to a tiebreaker.

Rafael Nadal is fired up to make it through tougher than expected U.S. Open match Friday. (Andrew Schwartz / For New York Daily News)

“For me personally, of course, it was a physical, demanding match,” Nadal said. “It was a mentally demanding match. That's why we practice every day, to play these kind of matches in a great atmosphere in front of an amazing crowd.

“Yeah, very happy to be through. Very happy to have the chance to play again.”

Nadal had tape under his knee, which was re-wrapped meticulously, but he declined to elaborate on the severity of the injury.

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“Just something that I felt, but I try always during the tournaments don't speak much about these kind of things. When the tournament is over is better and easier to talk,” he said. “But my personal feeling is I’m going to be at my 100% for the next one.”

Khachanov saved multiple match points in the third set, but was overmatched in the final tiebreaker. The match was stalled in the second set by a 12-minute delay to close the retractable roof on Ashe Stadium, as rain began infiltrating the court.

Rafael Nadal has to give every ounce of himself to win Friday. (Julian Finney / Getty Images)

Nadal is gunning for his fourth US Open title, and 18th Grand Slam championship. That would put him two below Roger Federer for the all-time record. He’ll next face Nikoloz Basilashvili from Georgia (the country, not the state) in the fourth round.

“In terms of my personal game, wasn't my best match, but was not at all negative,” Nadal said. “I did a lot of things well. Couple of things that I have to improve. But these kind of matches helps. I am honest with you, no? These kind of matches, if your body feels well for the next one, these kind of matches helps. You played a lot of time, you know, you get used to play under tough moments under pressure.

“I think this match helps,” Nadal said. “Win these kind of matches going through some very tough situations, lot of moments on the match, helps a lot for the confidence, and helps to understand how you have to play for next match.”